Bhutan Adventure Holiday: Hiking, Cycling & White Water Rafting
14 days from £4,668 pp
Experience the highlights of Bhutan in a more active way on our Bhutan Adventure Holiday: Hiking, Cycling & White Water Rafting. Try white water rafting in the beautiful Punakha Valley. Cycle your way through the Himalayan countryside, stopping at monasteries and temples. Hike and camp the iconic four-day Druk Path Trail, experiencing untouched Himalayas. And of course, hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The best way to experience Bhutan if you love active adventures in nature.
Trip Highlights
- Cycle through Himalayan Valleys with amazing views
- White Water Raft down the famous Punakha River
- Take on the iconic Druk Path Trek, away from crowds and camping with full support team
- Hike to the mesmerizing Tigers Nest Monastery
Our Expert Tip
”The high altitude of some of the valleys makes cycling harder than usual. Even if you are a regular cyclist, be sure to do some extra training before you arrive”
Holly, Bhutan Expert
Detailed Bhutan Adventure Holiday: Hiking, Cycling & White water Rafting Itinerary
Day 1-2: Thimphu
Arrive in Paro, meet your private driver-guide and transfer to a well-located hotel in Thimphu. This afternoon, explore the Royal Takin Preserve, the Royal Textile Academy and the National Memorial Chorten, then enjoy time to wander the capital on foot. On Day 2, begin your cycling adventure with a scenic ride from Tango back to Thimphu, passing forested valleys and traditional villages.
Finish with an optional visit to the Farmers’ Market, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory and the Buddha Dordenma statue—ideal gentle acclimatisation before your Bhutan Adventure Holiday: Hiking, cycling and White Water Rafting continues.
Day 3-5: Punakha
Travel to the Punakha Valley (around 2 hours), stopping at Dochula Pass for Himalayan panoramas and fluttering prayer flags. Then saddle up for a guided cycle ride on the Madman Trail, with time to visit Chimi Lhakhang (the Fertility Temple) en route. Arrive at your hotel and unwind.
Hike to the hilltop Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for sweeping valley views, then enjoy a locally sourced lunch. Later, visit magnificent Punakha Dzong (especially beautiful in spring when the jacarandas bloom) and walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge for dramatic river scenery.
This afternoon, experience white water rafting on the Punakha River with a professional rafting team; routes vary by water levels and weather for the safest, most enjoyable run.
Take on a more challenging trek to Giligang Temple, rewarded with views of rice terraces, forested ridgelines and mountain passes.
Day 6-7: Gangtey
Transfer privately to the Phobjikha (Gangtey) Valley around 3 hours away. Visit Gangtey Goemba, then stretch your legs on the Gangtey Nature Trail through open wetlands and pine forest. Stop at the Black-necked Crane Education Centre to learn about conservation work protecting these remarkable migratory birds.
Enjoy the scenic Longtey Trail (around 4 hours) for far-reaching valley views and quiet village life. This evening, attend prayers at the Shedra (monastic school) as hundreds of monks chant—an unforgettable cultural highlight.
Day 8: Thimphu
Return to Thimphu (around 5 hours) to prepare for the legendary Druk Path Trek.
If time allows, take the gentle Wangditse hike for superb views over Thimphu Valley, winding through pine forest and colourful prayer flags to Wangditse Monastery.
Day 9: Druk Path Trek
Begin your true Himalayan hiking adventure on the classic Druk Path Trek. Drive to the trailhead above the Takin Preserve (around 2,430m) and walk through juniper and rhododendron forests towards the Phajoding monastery complex.
After lunch, climb over Pumo La (around 4,210m), the highest pass of the day, with vast views across the ranges. Settle into a comfortable supported campsite for the night; your trekking team handles logistics and wholesome meals
Day 10: Druk Path Trek
Continue along high ridgelines and mountain shoulders, passing peaks traditionally associated with sky burials. Weather permitting, enjoy striking views of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.
Descend to Simkotra Tsho Lake (around 4,100m) before trekking on to Jigme Langtsho campsite for the night (around 6–7 hours on the trail).
Day 11: Druk Path Trek
Challenge yourself with a steep ascent to a panoramic ridge, then weave through thick rhododendron forest over a series of undulating passes. Expect a mix of short, steep climbs and gentle traverses before arriving at your final campsite at Tshokam—time to rest, refuel and celebrate your achievement
Day 12-14: Paro
Descend gradually through blue pine forest to the trek finish (around 4 hours), passing small monasteries and yak herders along the way. Meet your vehicle and transfer to the Paro Valley for your final stay. Settle into your hotel and explore Paro’s temples, monasteries and museums with your guide, or choose a luxury upgrade such as a spa-focused lodge or a farmhouse dining experience.
Take a scenic excursion to Chele La Pass for crisp mountain air and spectacular views of Mount Jomolhari on clear days. Short walks and photo stops make this a relaxed contrast to your trekking days.
Save the best for last: hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), dramatically perched on a cliff at around 2,950m. The round-trip trek takes roughly 4–5 hours and delivers some of Bhutan’s most unforgettable views. Return to Paro to browse local crafts or simply relax—an inspiring finale to your Bhutan Adventure Holiday: Hiking, cycling and White Water Rafting.Bhutan is a world-leader in ethical and green travel. Read more about how to travel better, and greener here.
When to Go
Includes
- All accommodation
- Excursions
- Transport
- Private guides
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa cost
- Tips
Why Book With Travel Differently
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- Each member of the team has over a decade of experience in the industry
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Tailor-made and Personal
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Need More Inspiration?
Want to combine multi-countries, take less flights, or include a hike in Patagonia? Thinking of a longer sabbatical holiday, or staying in some luxury yurts? It’s all possible; all our holidays are tailor-made with a focus on responsible travel. Take a look at more ideas below, and contact our experts.
